Best Kristen RB Peterson Podcasts (2024)

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EP 59: Creating a space from a Million Dollar Grant with Tiffany Pearsall 40:38

1h ago40:38

40:38

Today’s episode features an inspiring conversation with Tiffany Pearsall, a passionate play advocate and the founder of Play Frontier, a groundbreaking nonprofit childcare center. Join us as we chat about Tiffany’s journey, from the challenges of relocation to the exciting moment she secured a million-dollar grant to bring her vision to life. Learn…

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EP 58: Exploring Artistry in Early Childhood with Faigie Kobre 51:13

11d ago51:13

51:13

Today I am chatting with Faigie Kobree, a former preschool and kindergarten teacher, director, and now an elementary school art teacher using the choice based TAB method. She also educates teachers how to switch from copycat crafts to creative art. Key Takeaways: Process-based Learning: Kristen and Faigie emphasize learning through exploration, cur…

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EP 57: The Importance of Play for Adults with Reagan Fulton 29:42

26d ago29:42

29:42

Today I am chatting with Reagan Fulton, Founder of Playful Acre and advocate for integrating play into daily life for all ages. We chat about the importance of adults including play into their own lives. It is essential not only for children, but for us too! Key Takeaways: Play is Essential for All Ages: Reagan and Kristen emphasize the importance …

1
EP 56: The Connection of Play and Brain-Behaviors with Prerna Richards 35:38

1M ago35:38

35:38

Today I am chatting with Prerna Richards, an early childhood education consultant and keynote speaker with 38 years of experience in ECE. Prerna started her own company called Together We Grow, providing professional development, behavior coaching and NAEYC consulting. She believes in empowering and uplifting educators and does that through trainin…

1
EP 55: Free the Glue with Kayla Souza 37:52

1M ago37:52

37:52

Today I am chatting with Kayla Souza who opened a small play and nature based preschool that she runs from my home and backyard after working for 20 years in traditional classrooms. In this episode we talk about one of my current favorite things to talk about and that is letting go and freeing the glue! Key Takeaways: Getting Creative With Glue: Kr…

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EP 54: Understanding Gestalt Language Processing with Jess Teixeira 40:35

2M ago40:35

40:35

Today I am chatting with Jess Teixeira, a certified speech-language pathologist in Massachusetts who specializes in supporting gestalt language processors and their families through direct services and parent and professional consultations and coaching. Have you ever heard of Gestalt Language Processing? If not, you have to listen in because this i…

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EP 53: Developing the Fundamentals of ABCs Through Play with Stacy Benge 23:43

2M ago23:43

23:43

Today I am chatting with Stacy Benge, an early childhood speaker who approaches learning in the early years with practicality and common sense. Stacy is the author of the new book, The Whole Child Alphabet: How Young Children Actually Develop Literacy, published by Exchange Press. Listen as we talk about how young children actually develop literacy…

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EP 52: Breaking the Behavior Chart Cycle with Megg Thompson 42:56

2M ago42:56

42:56

Today I am chatting with Megg Thompson, a neuro-affirming behavior consultant that uses LOVE-based strategies to help kids be their absolute best! In this episode we talk about doing away with behavior charts, stickers, rewards, and more. Tune in to find out what we can do differently! Key Takeaways: Behavior Charts and External Motivation: Megg an…

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EP 51: Making Research Accessible in Early Childhood with Emily Clark, M.Ed 34:31

3M ago34:31

34:31

Today I am chatting with Em about all things research! Emily Clark, M. Ed is an international early childhood education advocate with teaching certifications from both the US and the UK. She founded EarlyEdEm.com to bring real early childhood research to the real educators who need it most. Key Takeaways: Access to Research: Research can feel overw…

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EP 50: Embracing Pedagogical Documentation in Child Development with Ana Valle Rivera 27:10

3M ago27:10

27:10

Today I am chatting with Ana Valle Rivera, a proud mother of three, a public speaker, a consultant, and the founder of Early Years Thriving. In this episode, we explore the significance of pedagogical documentation in early childhood education, emphasizing its role in understanding and supporting authentic play-based learning experiences while offe…

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EP 49: Making Boxed Curriculum Work for Play-Based Education with Melysa Mei 36:36

3M ago36:36

36:36

Today I am chatting with Melysa Mei who is a preschool teacher that practices an open-ended child-led philosophy through play and is also the founder and CEO of Pre-K Spot. We discuss how to meet the requirements for using boxed curriculum in a play-based setting. Key Takeaways: Flexibility Within Structure: Melysa emphasizes the importance of unde…

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EP 48: Strategies for Healthy Child Sleep Habits with Lindsey Nickoles 20:19

3M ago20:19

20:19

Today I am chatting with Lindsey Nickoles who has been in the Early Childhood Development field for almost a decade and just started a new journey of being a Newborn Care Specialist and Parent Educator! We will be talking about the importance of personalized care, collaboration, and understanding the impact of sleep on a child's well-being and deve…

1
EP 47: Embracing Authentic Connections and Humanizing Education with Finn Menzies 53:54

3M ago53:54

53:54

Today I’m chatting with Finn Menzies, former early childhood educator turned family coach. We discuss how vital it is to shift from traditional teacher performance to authentic and real connections with caregivers. Discover the pivotal roles that play, trust, and open communication play in creating a more authentic educational experience for childr…

1
EP 46: Fostering Authentic Connections Through Boundaries and Play with The Connected Child 45:21

4M ago45:21

45:21

Today I’m chatting with Jerica and Jules from The Connected Child, two former early childhood educators with over 25 years of expertise working with children & families. Their mission is to equip families with strategies designed specifically for their needs to strengthen relationships and form a deeper bond with their children. We discuss how to n…

1
EP 45 Demystifying Developmentally Appropriate Practice with Jean-Mari Dagarin 30:24

5M ago30:24

30:24

Today I’m chatting with Jean-Mari Dagarin, an advocate for play-based learning and developmentally appropriate practice (DAP). We define and explore the essence of DAP and its crucial role in childhood and how it fosters optimal learning environments for young children. Key Takeaways: Protecting Childhood: DAP, according to Jean Marie, revolves aro…

1
EP 44: Building Social Skills in Children Through Art with Beverly Beck 32:06

5M ago32:06

32:06

Today I’m chatting with Beverly Beck, the mastermind behind Happy Little Humans, and we’re talking about one of my favorite things: creativity. We chat about creative expression and its profound impact on the social-emotional development of young children. Key Takeaways: Creative Expression as Learning: Beverly elaborates on how creative expression…

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EP 43: Early Childhood Advocacy in Action with Kristy DeGraaf 30:50

5M ago30:50

30:50

Today, I’m chatting with Kristy DeGraaf, a family child care provider, trainer and childcare coach. Kristy started her career in social work and moved to Family Childcare 15 years ago after finding it hard to locate good care for her own children. We are talking about advocacy in Early Childhood Education and how you can get involved! Kristy sheds …

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EP 42: Unleashing Creativity and Process Art with Jessica Borowets 38:20

5M ago38:20

38:20

Today I’m chatting with Jessica Borowets of The Artful Child, which began as an outside the box preschool run by her mother in the late 60’s. Jessica strongly believes that children learn through play, and with all their senses, and that every child deserves the freedom to explore art materials and sensory activities without interruption. In this e…

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EP 41: Exploring Nature-Based Literacy with Lynne Mulligan 25:08

6M ago25:08

25:08

Today, I’m chatting with Lynne Mulligan, a passionate advocate for nature-based learning that founded a pre-K and kindergarten nature-based program. We discuss nature-based literacy in preschool settings, exploring practical strategies and creative approaches. Lynne shares a wealth of experience and ways to weave outdoor play seamlessly into litera…

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EP 40: Tips and Trick for Dressing for Outdoor Play with Ade Hofmann 31:14

6M ago31:14

31:14

Today, I'm chatting with Ade Hofmann, a dedicated early childhood educator passionate about outdoor play and founder of Nature Play All Day Early Childhood Program in Maine. On this episode, we discuss the significance of outdoor gear for children's play and share inclusive strategies and recommended brands. Ade also gives us an overview of her vis…

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EP 39: Intentional Learning Environments and Clean Up Time with Mariah Burnley 31:27

6M ago31:27

31:27

HelllllloooooOOOOooooo and welcome back as I revive my podcast with a host of new interviews! Today, I'm chatting with Mariah Burley, the founder and owner of a play based child care center. We discuss intentional teaching practices and creating a welcoming environment for children and families. Tune in to find out about the importance of building …

1
EP 38: ”It’s too hot/cold to play outside!” With Kyla Maciosek 1:06:57

1+ y ago1:06:57

1:06:57

Kyla and Kristen compare and contrast hot and cold climate, outdoor play! We do some troubleshooting and Kyla offers lots of tips for playing in hot and cold climates! You can find more info on Kyla's website naturecreatedplay.com Or you can find her on IG at: @naturecreatedplayBy Kristen RB Peterson

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EP 37: Spark a Revolution with Rae Pica 32:45

1+ y ago32:45

32:45

Kristen and Rae celebrate the release of her newest book, "Spark a Revolution in Early Education: Speaking Up for Ourselves and the Children!" In the play based, early childhood world, we can often feel like we are fighting an uphill battle. Rae's book and this podcast will help you gain confidence when it comes to advocating for play and childhood…

1
EP 36: Friluftsliv and Outdoor Play with Linda McGurk 42:23

1+ y ago42:23

42:23

Author and blogger Linda McGurk joins Kristen to chat about her new book, The Open-Air Life: Discover the Nordic Art of Friluftsliv and Embrace Nature Every Day, nature play and her experience with early childhood education in the USA as compared to Sweden. You can purchase her books here: There's No Such Thing as Bad Weather The Open-Air Life Lind…

1
Ep 35: Removing the Teacher Disguise and Implementing Play Slowly with Kisa Marx 36:12

1+ y ago36:12

36:12

Kisa Marx from @kidcrewadventures (on Instagram) joins Kristen to talk about how early chilhdood educators put on a teacher disguise, why we need to remove that disguise and how she implemented play into her program slowly!By Kristen RB Peterson

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EP 34: 5 Fave Read-A-Louds with Mollie VonKampen 27:56

1+ y ago27:56

27:56

Mollie VonKampen joins Kristen to share five of her favorite read-a-louds in the early childhood classroom! You can find more out about Mollie on her Instagram @read.by.the.window And, you will get a few bonus read-a-loud ideas (we just couldn't stop at 5!) Find more from Kristen here: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/kristen.rb.peterson/ Webs…

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EP 33:(part 2) How To Be An LGBTQ+ Ally with Samuel Broaden and Willy Villalpando 52:57

2y ago52:57

52:57

Join Kristen, Samuel Broaden and Willy Villalpando for part two! We chat about how to be an ally to the LGBTQ+ community inside and outside of the classroom! You can find more Samuel here: https://www.honoringchildhood.org Instagram Venmo: @honoringchildhood You can find more Willy Here: https://mrwillyprek.com Instagram Venmo: @wvill002…

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EP 32: (Part 1) An LGBTQ+ Primer with Samuel Broaden and Willy Villalpando 55:36

2y ago55:36

55:36

Join Kristen, Samuel Broaden and Willy Villalpando as we give a primer on terminology associated with gender and sexuality and the LGBTQ+ community. This is part one of two! You can find more Samuel here: https://www.honoringchildhood.org Instagram Venmo: @honoringchildhood You can find more Willy Here: https://mrwillyprek.com Instagram Venmo: @wvi…

1
EP 31: Play For EVERYONE with Kayla from Little Lilac Preschool 44:44

2y ago44:44

44:44

Kayla Souza, M.Ed. joins Kristen for a conversation about the benefits of play for all types of learners. Noting that we are both still learning and not experts on the topics of play for nuerodivergent learners and children with learning disabilities, we talk candidly about Kayla's own experiences with play based learning and her daughter. You can …

1
EP 30: Storytelling and Storyacting with Laura Shea 37:54

2y ago37:54

37:54

Laura Shea from @little.stories.that.stick joins Kristen to talk about the power of storytelling and storyacting with young children in an early childhood environment. You can find Laura on IG: https://www.instagram.com/little.stories.that.stick/ or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/little.stories.that.stick and you can grab some free story sta…

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EP 29: Support for Those in Crisis and Having Conversations with Children about War and Crisis 36:52

2y ago36:52

36:52

Samuel Broaden from honoringchildhood.org and Kristen have a conversation about the events taking place in Ukraine after Kristen received a message via IG from a woman asking for resources to help children and families through war induced trauma. Kristen and Samuel also chat about how to have conversations about war and other big events in other pa…

1
EP 28: Defining Success in a Play Based Program 11:55

2+ y ago11:55

11:55

What does success look like in terms of a play based program. Success is a relative term and Kristen encourages you to really take some time to unpack what you think success is to better serve the children in your care! Website - http://www.learning-wild.com Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/kristen.rb.peterson/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.…

1
EP 27: The Last Greatest Risk in Childhood 9:47

2+ y ago9:47

9:47

Kristen happened upon a thought the other day and thought is was too important not to share. In this episode she will talk about the last, greatest risk we allow children to take. You will also learn 3 actionable ways to support risk taking in early childhood. For some great, free, letters to adults of the children in your care, Kristen has created…

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EP 26: The Daily Schedule in a Play Based Program 16:13

2+ y ago16:13

16:13

One of the most asked questions: What does you daily schedule look like in a play based program? Kristen answers that in this episode! It is a lot more simplistic than you would imagine! Check out Kristen's website learning-wild.com to find out how you can learn more!! Or, find her on IG!By Kristen RB Peterson

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Ep: 25 The Battle of Battle Play 15:43

2+ y ago15:43

15:43

Children are often labeled as 'bad' for engaging in battle play or play fighting. It is loud and big and makes adults uncomfortable. Kristen explains why this type of play is normal and how to support it in your early childhood environments. Website - http://www.learning-wild.com Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/kristen.rb.peterson/ Facebook -…

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EP 24: Process Art and Creative Freedom in the Early Childhood Environment 21:30

2+ y ago21:30

21:30

Kristen chats about the characteristics of process based art, creative thinking in early childhood and it's importance, and a really cool study that proves that creativity is unlearned as we grow older. Resources: Tedx Tucson George Land YouTube video Ted Talk by Sir Ken Robison Loose Parts Books: Loose Parts: Inspiring Play in Young Children by Li…

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EP 23: Part 1 Samuel Broaden on Trust, Forests and Body Autonomy 38:33

2+ y ago38:33

38:33

This is the first podcast in a two part release! You can find the second part of this series (you will hear Kristen talk more in the 2nd part) over on the podcast called Embracing Childhood (apple podcast link) Spotify link You can find more of Samuel Broaden on his website, Honoring Childhood. And he loves to hang out on IG @honoringchildhood…

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EP: 22 Mythbusting Noise and Talking with Tiffany Pearsall 33:24

2+ y ago33:24

33:24

Kristen's fave podcasting buddy makes her debut on the podcast. Tiffany Pearsall is the founding director of Play Frontier - a nature play school in Washington state! There is often a societal norm that is pushed down to early childhood environments that says children must be quiet to learn... T and I chat about it! After all, many of us are verbal…

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EP 21: Sally Haughey on Wonder, Intention, Creativity and MORE 56:47

3y ago56:47

56:47

SIGN UP FOR THE FREE TO PLAY SUMMIT HERE!!!! About Sally: Sally Haughey hails from Guthrie, Oklahoma, a small town in the middle of the United States, and grew up traveling the country with her parents and siblings. She started her teaching journey in 1996 and that experience now expands over two decades. She cultivated her learning at Northeastern…

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EP 20 - Rae Pica on Being a Champion for Children 38:39

3y ago38:39

38:39

Rae Pica joins Kristen to chat advocacy / championing for children. Learn some easy ways to stand up for what we know is right for the young children in our lives. Rae's website: raepica.com use code: WILD for 20% off Rae's course "Becoming a Champion for Play & Joyful Learning" Find Kristen here: Website - http://www.learning-wild.com Instagram - …

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EP 19: Forest School Basics 26:28

3y ago26:28

26:28

Kristen chats about what forest school looks like in her program! Website - http://www.learning-wild.com Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/learning.wild/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/learningwildblog/ Free Resources (Documentation Guide Free Download) - https://www.learning-wild.com/opt-in-2ad54954-031a-408e-8993-faa989fa21da…

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EP 18: Q&A Sesh on Opening a Program 1:16:39

3y ago1:16:39

1:16:39

Kristen had someone reach out to her via IG with some questions. Instead of answering them over DM, Kristen invited her to be on the show to ask all her questions so you can learn from them too! Nicky Peterson lives in South Africa and is dreaming about opening her own play based program someday! If you are interested in starting up your own progra…

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EP 17: The Stages of Play 12:54

3y ago12:54

12:54

If a parent is ever wondering why their child comes home and says, "Nobody played with me." Or if a parent ever asks why their child says they have no friends... this episode is for you! And here is a handy letter you can hand to parents... NEW! Play Based Learning Masterclass! Head here to get a Stages of Play letter to give to grown ups! Website …

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Ep 16: Behavior Management in a Play Based Program 14:44

3y ago14:44

14:44

We have to stop calling it behavior management and call it social and emotional development instead. Kristen will walk you through the reasons why we need to change our thinking to provide a more child-centered atmosphere for the young children in our life! Get on the list to be the first to know about Kristen's Play Based Learning Masterclass! Hea…

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EP 15: My Mud Kitchen is Rad with Allison Bakkum 32:04

3+ y ago32:04

32:04

Kristen chats with children's book author, Allison Bakkum. Her book, My Mud Kitchen is Rad, will be available for purchase soon! You can find more about her book here: https://www.allisonbakkumauthor.com In this episode you will find out her journey to writing a children's book and some easy start ideas for adding a mud kitchen to your play space!…

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EP 14 - themes with Lisa (Ooey Gooey Lady) Murphy 48:44

3+ y ago48:44

48:44

Kristen had the honor of recording an impromptu chat with Lisa Murphy on the topic of THEMES in a play-based, child-centered early childhood program. Lisa is a thought leader in the play based learning world and is Kristen's Fareygawdmather (that story is in the podcast!) Are themes bad? NO. Do we need to ask ourselves, whose idea was it? YES. Lear…

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EP 13: 5 TIPS for Supporting Large Body Movement 15:16

3+ y ago15:16

15:16

Large body movement is not embraced as an important part of a developmentally appropriate classroom in many scenarios. Here are 5 tips to go from "they are driving me crazy with all the movement" to "We gave them a developmentally appropriate experience today". NEW COURSE! Starting An Early Childhood Program Blueprint! https://www.learning-wild.com…

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EP 12: Rules That Aren't DAP - Sitting Still 20:08

3+ y ago20:08

20:08

There are many rules that we have place on young children that are not developmentally appropriate in the least bit... This is the start of a series of episodes that will break down the rules we place on children that we shouldn't. The first is SITTING STILL. Let's outlaw criss cross applesauce and free the movement! NEW COURSE! Starting An Early C…

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EP 11: Four Tips For Explaining Play To Parents 15:33

3+ y ago15:33

15:33

This is a question I get all the time and one that I have spent years trying to dissect myself... Through trial and error - I have come to four great tips for helping to defend and explain parents (or maybe an administrator)! NEW COURSE! Starting An Early Childhood Program Blueprint! https://www.learning-wild.com/startinganearlychildhoodprogramblue…

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EP 10: Three Things You Need When Starting Your Own Early Childhood Program 14:24

3+ y ago14:24

14:24

Kristen started a child care program with zero dollars and no degree in business. She did have three things that worked in her favor and she will tell you all about them in this episode. NEW COURSE! Starting An Early Childhood Program Blueprint! Website - http://www.learning-wild.com Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/learning.wild/ Facebook - h…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Kristen RB Peterson Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

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